ALLAN Langer has become the forgotten man in the Immortal debate but Wally Lewis says the champion halfback deserves to be a front runner as the next inductee.
Langer has won four premierships, played 25 Tests, 34 Origins, won a Clive Churchill Medal, Rothman’s Medal and Dally M Medal.
His credentials are peerless. He was the premier halfback in the late 80s and early 90s yet he could be denied Immortal status for the third time when judges convene next year.
Lockyer, the Broncos champion, is expected to be announced as the ninth Immortal in a gala ceremony next year.
He retired in 2011 and if he is voted in it would mean he is the second playmaker to become an Immortal since Langer retired in 2002.
Influential Immortals judge Roy Masters believes the each Immortal should be the best player of the past 10-20 years, ruling out Meninga and Langer.
Andrew Johns was chosen ahead of Langer and Meninga in 2012.
Lewis, named as the sixth Immortal in 1999, said Langer should be the prime contender alongside Mal Meninga and Darren Lockyer.
“Alf has to be there with Mal and Locky,” Lewis told The Courier-Mail.
“He deserves it considering his wonderful achievements over a 13 year career.
“When Andrew was named as an immortal, it swept Alf under the carpet a bit and while that is not Andrew’s fault I just hope Alf is still in the running.
“It is totally understandable that Mal and Locky are considered front runners but Allan Langer must be a real consideration.
“His achievements at the Broncos were extraordinary.”
Rugby League Week magazine owns the Immortals concept and will begin a voting process early next year.
Langer was among the final ten players considered for the eight Immortal position in 2012.
